Student Programs

Sustainability Office Interns

Each year, the Office of Sustainability hires student interns known as "Green Raiders" to promote green living on campus, design programming for the year, and organize sustainability-oriented events Student interns take charge of many sustainability initiatives such as monitoring the Green Bikes program, mentoring the Green Ambassadors, taking charge of Recyclemania, and organizing 13 Days of Green. Applications open mid-summer for the upcoming year and can be accessed on the student Portal.

Green Ambassadors

The Green Ambassadors (GA) program introduces first-year students to the sustainability culture at Colgate and equip them with the skills and information they need to improve sustainable practices in their Commons community. GAs are assigned to each residential commons and will be responsible for developing and leading engaging educational programs that raise awareness about sustainability-related issues on and off campus. First-year students interested in applying should look out for more information at the activities fair during orientation.

13 Days of Green

13 Days of Green, is campus-wide event taking place the thirteen days leading up to and including Earth Day. It is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and personal sustainability practices on the Colgate campus. Past programs have included guest speakers, trash-fashion shows, clothing swaps, panel discussions, award ceremonies, tree plantings, and many others.

The Green Summit

The Green Summit is a central feature of 13 Days of Green. This program is a think tank that brings together students, faculty, staff, and community members to brainstorm solutions to Colgate's sustainability challenges - and then carry them out! Each year, The Green Summit highlights a specific topic and brings in a panel of Colgate community members and partners to facilitate a lively discussion among the participants.

RecycleMania

RecycleMania is an annual recycling competition involving hundreds of colleges and universities. During eight weeks each spring (February–March), Colgate University joins RecycleMania to rally students to reduce waste, increase recycling rates, and raise awareness of conservation issues across campus. In the past, RecycleMania has been a great way to increase Colgate staff, student and faculty engagement in recycling. Learn more about Recyclemania

Colgate Unplugged

Colgate Unplugged is an annual friendly competition among the four Residential Commons to determine who can reduce their energy and water consumption the most within a certain period of time. Results are updated in real-time through Colgate's Building Dashboard. Look out for information regarding the current standing of your Commons and ways to improve from your Green Ambassadors!

The Loj

Launched in the fall of 2002, The Loj is a residential house on Broad Street that brings together students who share a common interest in the outdoors. The purpose of The Loj is to support various ways of relating to the natural environment such as adventure/recreational activities, environmental activism, academic study, and outdoor/experiential education. The Loj is open for juniors and seniors.